Kanyakumari Shakti Peeth

Kanyakumari Shakti Peeth is among the 51 Shakti Peeth of Maa Sati. It is said that, the back of Maa Sati fell here, when lord Vishnu in order to relieve lord Shiva from grief of losing his wife Sati, used his ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ to incise Maa Sati Body. Then, at the place of fall of back, this beautiful temple was constructed. Kanyakumari Shakti Peeth is situated in Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, India. Here the idol of maa Sati is called as ‘Sharwani’ and the lord Shiva is worshipped as ‘Nimish’.

As this Shakti Peeth is surrounded by water all over the place, the scenic beauty of this place is really adorable and looks great when the sun rises or sets. Kanyakumari Shakti Peeth is surrounded by sea from all side. There is a small island on which the temple of Maa is situated. Although this island has got several modifications, but the main temple architecture is still intact. On top of the temple, the whole dome is constructed with the help red stone. This Shakti Peeth is also called as Kanyashram or Kalikashram and is quite famous here.

Near to this, another famous Shakti Peeth is there and its name is Suchindram. The art and architecture of this Suchindram temple is unique and blends with the Tamil Nadu culture. From outside the whole temple looks white, as it is made of white stone. On the other hand, the top part is made of various sculptures that depict the various gods and the fine stone work done on it is highly commendable. You can see number of palm trees planted in front of the Suchindram temple. So much so is the religious importance of this place that every year people in million numbers flock to this part of the country.

History of Kanyakumari Peeth

History to this place dates back in the time when it is said that the back of Maa Sati fell to this place. There is lot of information available about this Shakti Peeth in the religious books and these religious books can be obtained outside the temple or good religious book store. The native people also know lot about this Shakti Peeth and it would be a better idea to sit with them and learn more about the facts that are related to this Shakti Peeth.

Festivals in Kanyakumari temple

1. People (Almost every day) offer their offering to the god in form of fruit, milk, homemade sweets etc.
2. In the morning and evening, priest chant out Aarti and Slokas, accompanies by the bells.
3. Navratri that falls two times in a year- one in the month of March or April and other in the September or October month depending on the Hindu calendar, is among the major festival here. Navratri are celebrated for over 9 days, with some people not eating any type of food that is derived from the soil for these nine days. Special ceremonies and rituals are carried during these days.
4. Rath Yatra is another major event here and celebrated with the great devotion and Durga puja, Vijya dashmi, Kalabham festival are some other that are also celebrated.

Where to stay

If you are looking for either cheap or expensive type of accommodation, then both are available here. Gopi Nivas Hotel, Tri Sea Hotel, Sea View Hotel, Tamilnadu Hotel, Singaar International Hotel, Maadhini Hotel, Samudra Hotel, Sparsa Resort, Vivekanandapuram, Manickam Tourist Home are some of the good hotels around Kanyakumari. Here the rent of each room may vary from Rs 900 to Rs 4000. Also there are several non payable guest houses or dharmsalas that are run by the various nonprofit organizations. Beware of the touts who promises to give hi-fi deals with cheap rates.

Shopping around Kanyakumari temple

1. Religious Paraphernalia can be bought from the shops that are located just outside the temple.
2. Traditional Clothes like white and red cotton Sari can be bought from here, at local market.
3. Local delicacies like Idli and White Sambhar, is really something that needs to be tasted.
4. Rice and Daal is quite famous here and common appetite in the menu of hotels.
5. Bargaining for the items is really necessary here as shopkeepers tend to ask higher price for the good that you want to purchase.

Other places that can be visited nearby

Following are some of the places that you might want to visit:

• Padmanabhapuram Palace, Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Gandhi Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kanyakumari Beach, Government Museum, Udayagiri Fort, St Xavier Church, Vattakottai Fort, Chitharal, Pechiparai Reservoir, Muttom Beach, Sothavilai Beach, Mathoor Hanging Bridge, Tiruchendur Temple, Thengapattinam Beach, Kamarajar Manimandapam, Sthanumalayan Temple, Suchindram, Alvar Tirunagari Temple, Olakaruvi Falls, Nagaraja Temple of Nagercoil, Thirunanthikarai Cave Temple, Thiruparrapu Falls or Tirparappu Water Falls are some of the star attractions nearby this Shakti Peeth.

• Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Vedantangal Bird Sanctuary, Kanchipuram, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Pondicherry, Tiruchirappalli, Rameswaram, Madurai, Ooty are some of the major places of interest here.

How to reach the Kanyakumari temple

1. Direct trains are available to Kanyakumari station Railway station and various trains ply directly from Delhi, Ahmedabad, Patna and other major cities.
2. Several deluxe bus services are available to Kanyakumari ply to this part.
3. Nearest airport is in the Thiruvananthapuram and national as well as international flights are available till here.
4. But it is advisable to have taxi or your own mode of transportation when you are coming to Kanyakumari from airport.
5. Rickshaw, Auto Rickshaw and Bus are common mode of transportation inside the city.
6. Take necessary steps to protect yourself from sunburn etc, because in the summer season, temperature shoots up to 40+ degrees in this part of the country.